Posts

Can Stocks Go Back-to-Back-to-Back?

/in , /by

Can Stocks Go Back-to-Back-to-Back?: Start a free trial of The Sevens Report.

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Can Stocks Go Back-to-Back-to-Back?
  • Why CPI Was An Important Positive for Markets
  • EIA Analysis and Oil Market Update

Futures are modestly higher thanks mostly to solid earnings and guidance from Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM).

For AI related tech companies, guidance will be key this earnings season and TSM posted better than expected revenue guidance and the stock is up 5% pre-market.

Economic data overnight largely met expectations.

Today will be a busy day of notable economic data and earnings.  On the economy, we get several important reports today including, in order of importance, Retail Sales (E: 0.5%), Jobless Claims (E: 214K), Philly Fed (E: -8.0) and the Housing Market Index (E: 46).  As has been the case, data that meets or slightly misses expectations is the “best” case for markets (while very strong data will boost yields and pressure stocks).

On earnings, the Q4 reporting season is just starting to ramp up and some important results we’re watching today include BAC ($0.77), MS ($1.65), UNH ($6.71), JBHT ($1.63).

Join thousands of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Sevens Report Research founder Tom Essaye Interviewed on Yahoo Finance

/in , /by

Tom Essaye Interviewed On Yahoo Finance

Trump’s economic policy impact, US dollar: Asking for a Trend

“Sevens Report Research founder Tom Essaye outlines what investors need to know to separate the headlines that matter to the market from the noise.

Also, click here to view the full interview with Yahoo Finance published on January 8th, 2025. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

If you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

To strengthen your market knowledge take a free trial of The Sevens Report.

Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Year-end positioning and lackluster trading volumes

/in , /by

Year-end positioning and lackluster trading volumes: Sevens Report Editor, Tom Essaye, Quoted in Barron’s

Trump Is Already Rattling the Stock Market. Buckle Up.

Sevens Report President Tom Essaye believes year-end positioning and lackluster trading volumes—issues that will ease after New Year’s—are the real culprits behind the declines. 

“None of these events are big enough to derail this market, but they are a near-constant reminder of the drama Trump can manufacture (either directly or indirectly) on seemingly mundane functions of the government,” Essaye wrote.

“Altering or reducing the H-1B visa program reflects a further isolationism that investors fear would hurt the U.S. tech industry in the long run,” Essaye wrote. “And while that fear is a bit of a stretch, amidst large tech outperformance and thin volumes into year-end, it’s creating another reason to book profits.”

Also, click here to view the full Barron’s article published on December 31st, 2024. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

It’ll be Very Hard for This Market to RallyIf you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

To strengthen your market knowledge take a free trial of The Sevens Report.

Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

 

Jobs Report Preview (Markets Closed Tomorrow)

/in , /by

Jobs Report Preview (Markets Closed Tomorrow): Start a free trial of The Sevens Report.

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Jobs Report Preview
  • ISM Services PMI Takeaways – Strong Data Supports Hawkish Fed Stance
  • Chart – JOLTS Jump to Multi-Month High But Still Trending Lower

Futures were slightly higher earlier this morning as traders digested disappointing data out of Europe but volatility has picked up since CNN reported that Trump is weighing emergency measures to implement new tariffs programs.

Economically, German Manufacturing Orders plunged -5.4% vs. (E) 0.0% while EU Economic Sentiment fell 93.7 vs. (E) 95.7 and Eurozone PPI declined just -1.2% vs. (E) -2.5%.

Today, traders are likely to remain keenly focused on the early tariff headlines that have roiled futures in the pre-market. Any commentary from Trump that tamps down concerns about aggressive tariffs and the threat of global trade wars will help settle markets over the course of the day.

Additionally, there are two key labor market reports to watch today, the ADP Employment Report (E: 134K), and Jobless Claims (E: 216K). After yesterday’s “hot” ISM and JOLTS data, investors will want to see a return to “Goldilocks” data consistent with a cooling labor market to help temper the recent spike in yields and help stocks stabilize.

Finally, there is one Fed speaker early in the day: Waller (8:30 a.m. ET) and a 30-Yr Treasury Bond auction in the early afternoon (1:00 p.m. ET) that cold move yields, and in turn, impact equity markets (strong demand for the long bonds is the best outcome for stocks).

Join thousands of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Why Have Stocks Dropped?

/in , /by

Why Have Stocks Dropped?: Start a free trial of The Sevens Report.

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Why Have Stocks Dropped?
  • Weekly Market Preview:  Can Goldilocks Data Fuel A Rebound?
  • Weekly Economic Cheat Sheet:  Friday’s Jobs Report is the First Big Report of 2025.

Futures are extending Friday’s rally thanks to a rebound in political optimism and despite more mixed global economic data.

Mike Johnson was relatively easily re-elected Speaker of the House on Friday, providing a needed positive political event for markets and boosting pro-growth policy hopes.

Economically, global data remained lack luster as the UK Services PMI missed expectations (51.1 vs. (E) 51.4.).

Today focus will turn back to data with Factory Orders (E: -0.3%) and the December Services PMI (E: 58.5) and the more Goldilocks the readings, the more they’ll fuel this early bounce.  There is also one Fed speaker, Cook (9:15 a.m. ET), but she shouldn’t move markets.

Sevens Report Quarterly Letter

Our Q4 ’24 Quarterly Letter was delivered to subscribers last Thursday, complete with compliance backup and citations. We’re already receiving feedback about how it is saving advisors time and helping them communicate with their clients in this volatile environment!

You can view our Q3 ’24 Quarterly Letter here.

To learn more about the product (including price) please click this link.

If you’re interested in subscribing, please email info@sevensreport.com.

Join thousands of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Why Has the Trump Trade Stalled? (Part One)

/in , /by

Why Has the Trump Trade Stalled? (Part One): Start a free trial of The Sevens Report.

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Why Has the Trump Trade Stalled? (Part One)
  • Economic Takeaways – November Retail Sales

Stock futures are recovering some of yesterday’s losses as cooler-than-feared inflation data in the EU is driving modestly dovish money flows ahead of the Fed decision.

Economically, inflation data out of Europe was “cooler” than feared with U.K. Core CPI rising to 3.5% vs. (E) 3.6% while Eurozone HICP rose to 2.2% vs. (E) 2.3%. The “cooler” data saw rates traders price in more policy rate cuts from the ECB in 2025.

Today, there is one economic report due to be released mid-morning: Housing Starts and Permits (1.340M & 1.430M) but the primary market focus will be the Fed decision at 2:00 p.m. ET and likely more importantly, Fed Chair Powell’s press conference at 2:30 p.m. ET.

While the Fed will almost certainly be the primary catalyst for markets today, there is some micro-news that could influence sectors and sub-sectors of the equity markets as we will get late season earnings from GIS ($1.22), JBL ($1.88), MU ($1.75), and LEN ($4.18).

Bottom line, investors are looking for the Fed to reiterate their view that the economy is tracking for a soft-landing and that the FOMC is not overly concerned with the latest uptick in inflation data that could signal a sustained “pause” in rate cuts. A hawkish tone in the announcement or Powell’s press conference would likely trigger renewed selling pressure in equity markets and higher bond yields.

Join thousands of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Why Has Tech Been So Strong? (Again)

/in , /by

Why Has Tech Been So Strong? (Again): Start a free trial of The Sevens Report.

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Why Has Tech Been So Strong? (Again)

Futures are modestly higher following better than expected tech earnings overnight.

Broadcom (AVGO) earnings were mixed but management commentary was bullish and the stock is rallying 15% pre-market and that’s helping to boost tech stocks and broader market futures.

Economically, the notable data was from the UK and it was soft.  Monthly GDP (-0.1% vs. (E) 0.2%) and Industrial Production (-0.6% vs. (E) 0.3%) both missed estimates.

Today there are no notable economic reports nor any Fed speakers, so markets will likely follow the tech sector.  If the AVGO led tech rally this morning can hold, it should pull other indices and sectors higher with it.

Join thousands of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

The VIX index and VIX futures both getting pressured in a big way

/in , /by

The VIX index and VIX futures both getting pressured in a big way: Sevens Report Co-Editor Tyler Richey Quoted in S&P Global

Stock market ‘fear gauge’ plunges; investors expect rally to persist into 2025

Volatility dynamics in the stock market have shifted since the election when many investors crowded into downside stock market hedges on fears that a Democratic victory could lead to taxes on unrealized capital gains, said Tyler Richey with Sevens Report Research. This also hurt the performance of short volatility strategies, which had been crushed by a massive VIX squeeze at the start of August, Richey said.

“Between the post-election unwind in broad stock market hedges and a suffering short-volatility crowd [throughout 2024], the derivatives market pendulum swung hard from one extreme to another with the VIX index and VIX futures both getting pressured in a big way over the last month,” Richey said.

Also, click here to view the full S&P Global article published on December 6th, 2024. However, to see the Sevens Report’s full comments on the current market environment sign up here.

If you want research that comes with no long term commitment, yet provides independent, value added, plain English analysis of complex macro topics, then begin your Sevens Report subscription today by clicking here.

To strengthen your market knowledge take a free trial of The Sevens Report.

Join hundreds of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Data Check: Hard Landing or Soft Landing?

/in , /by

Data Check: Hard Landing or Soft Landing?: Start a free trial of The Sevens Report.

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Hard Landing vs. Soft Landing Scoreboard
  • Chart: NVDA Earnings Loom Large – Key Technical Support in Focus

Futures are slightly higher but well off session highs as “warm” EU inflation data pushed yields higher overnight with the U.S. 10-Yr pushing back beyond 4.40%.

Economically, inflation data in Europe was “warm” as U.K. Core CPI rose 3.3% y/y vs. (E) 3.2% in October while German PPI unexpectedly rose 0.2% m/m last month following a sizeable 0.5% drop in September.

There are no notable economic reports today but there is a 20-Yr Treasury Bond auction at 1:00 p.m. ET that could move markets depending on demand measures for the longer duration government bonds (higher yields would weigh on stocks again).

Additionally, there are two Fed speakers today Cook (11:30 a.m. ET) and Bowman (12:15 p.m. ET), but unless they are materially hawkish, their comments should not move markets.

Finally, earnings season has largely wound down however there are some notables reporting quarterly results today including: TGT ($2.29), TJX ($1.09), NVDA ($0.74), PANW ($1.48), SQM ($0.64).

Interestingly, Barclays analysts noted earlier this week that options markets suggest today’s report from NVDA will be the biggest catalyst remaining in 2024, underscoring the importance of investor sentiment towards the AI-darling’s growth prospects, leaving the chip-maker’s earnings report a potential make-or-break event for markets this afternoon.

Join thousands of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.

Why Did Stocks Drop Last Week?

/in , /by

Why Did Stocks Drop Last Week?: Start a free trial of The Sevens Report.

What’s in Today’s Report:

  • Why Did Stocks Drop Last Week?
  • Weekly Market Preview:  Focus on Treasury Secretary, NVDA earnings and economic growth (Thursday/Friday).
  • Weekly Economic Cheat Sheet:  Important Growth Data Late This Week

Futures are little changed following a quiet weekend of news as markets continue to digest last week’s rise in Treasury yields, and the return of political surprises (via Trump’s cabinet announcements).

There were no notable economic reports overnight.

Politically, the major remaining cabinet pick from Trump is Treasury Secretary and it should come early this week (and another unorthodox choice would further roil markets).

Today the calendar is quiet as there is just one economic report, Housing Market Index (E: 43), and one Fed speaker, Goolsbee (10:00 a.m. ET).  So, focus will be on Trump’s cabinet (again, the more traditional choice for Treasury, the better for markets) and on the 10-year yield.  If it keeps rising, that will be a continued headwind on stocks.

Join thousands of advisors from huge brokerage firms like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo Advisors, Raymond James, and more! To start your quarterly subscription and see how The Sevens Report can help you grow your business, click here.